After a brutal 2024 NFL season that ended with former head coach Jerod Mayo being fired immediately following the end of the year, no one would have expected that the New England Patriots would be the best team in the AFC entering Week 12 this year.

Mike Vrabel has worked wonders for the Patriots since being hired. He has put together an elite coaching staff and the front office worked hard to improve the roster.

Looking into the future, New England fans have a lot to be excited about. The team should be a serious AFC contender for years to come.

Unfortunately, with the success that the Patriots have had, the team might be in line to suffer a tough loss during the upcoming NFL offseason.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero took a look at the top 24 young coaching candidates who could be ready to make the leap to being head coaches. When it came to New England, tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown made the list.

"When he interviewed for the Patriots' OC job later that month, Mike Vrabel was so impressed, he found a spot for Brown on staff," Pelissero wrote. "Brown is no stranger to the interview circuit, having spoken with the Dolphins, Texans, Titans and Bears about their head-coaching jobs over the past four Januarys, respectively. With the Patriots rolling, Brown could get a look again."

Brown has been a valuable part of an offense that has exploded this season with second-year quarterback Drake Maye leading the way. Losing him would be difficult to replace.

As is the case with most top teams, assistant coaches become prime head coaching candidates. Brown earning a head coaching role would be something that Vrabel would be proud of and the fans should be too.

While replacing him would be difficult, it's always good to see young coaches earn their way to the top ranks.

That being said, Brown's focus remains on this season and helping lead the Patriots towards a deep playoff run. Next up for New England will be a Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who will be without star quarterback Joe Burrow for at least one more week.